Question

The radioactive element carbon-14 has half of 5750 years. A scientist determined that the bones from a mastodon has lost 56.6% of their carbon-14. How old were the bones at the time they were discovered?

Answer 1

Answer:7881 years

Explanation:

You can use the equation

fraction remaining = 0.5n where n is # of half lives elapsed

n = ?

fraction remaining = 1 - 0.612 = 0.388

0.388 = 0.5n

n = 1.37 = the # of half lives

1.37 x 5750 yrs = 7881 years